Most Discussed

T-Mobile makes appeal for iPhone, blames 3G tech

updated 05:00 am EDT, Sat October 22, 2011

by MacNN Staff

T-Mobile reiterates interest in Apple's iPhone

T-Mobile has issued a statement directly addressing the lack of on iPhone model on its network. Following news that a regional carrier, C Spire, was picking up the new iPhone 4S, questions were immediately asked as to why T-Mobile had not also picked up the device. T-Mobile reiterated its recent position that they would like to have the iPhone in its line-up, but blamed the iPhone's incompatibility with its 3G and 4G networks.

Andrew Sherrard the Senior Vice President of Marketing for T-Mobile made the the following observations:

"T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we've expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers. Ultimately, it is Apple's decision. The issue remains that Apple has not developed a version of the iPhone with technology that works on our fast 3G and 4G networks. We believe a capable version of the iPhone for our 3G and 4G networks would offer an additional compelling option for our customers on a fast 4G network. However, the iPhone is not the only option to experience the benefit that smartphones offer."

It is well-known that although the iPhone is now a world phone supporting a wide range of GSM and CDMA networks, the radio in the iPhone 4S does not currently support T-Mobile's 1,700MHz frequency.
Apple has increasingly shown an interest in expanding the reach of its iPhone range. It has retained the 3GS in its current line-up as an entry-level device alongside the 4 and the 4S. Further, it has also been adding numerous additional carriers globally each year, although T-Mobile is perhaps the most notable US carrier yet to carry the device.

While Apple has not commented on the issue, it is likely that a move to a true 4G LTE chipset may see T-Mobile finally join the ranks of carriers who sell the iPhone as well as Android devices.

TAGS

TOTAL_COMMENTS Comments

I feel sorry for T-Mobile, but I don't expect Apple to manufacture a phone that works on their, and ONLY their network because of the strange combination of frequencies that they employ. Not to mention that they are either about to be acquired or simply be sold and go out of business. It just makes no sense. I don't think any other cellphone company in the U.S. uses their combination of frequencies either, or it might make a little more sense to make a version of the iPhone for that.

Sorry, you're misinformed if you think that adding compatibility with AWS bands would require a carrier-specific iPhone. Frankly, pentaband baseband chips exist already. The lack of support for T-Mobile has far more to do with the politics of the AT&T / T-Mobile merger, I think.

A weaker T-Mobile is an easier takeover target for AT&T. I can't imagine why the closest thing to a Mom and Pop cell carrier that exists in the U.S. can get the iPhone 4S, but T-Mobile can't - despite its apparent willingness to do just about anything to placate Apple.

T-Mobile isn't the only carrier using AWS, Wind, Mobolicity and a few others in Canada use it as well as many other countries. It is probably a performance benchmark related to power usage and size currently preventing the iphone to use those networks. Its no different then how the first iPhone lacked 3G because of battery life issues. I imagine it will happen as chips or batteries improve.

The is is all about the AT&T proposed buy out of T-Mobile. T-Mobile is one of Apple's largest partners in Europe. Here in the US, Apple was betting AT&T would be successful in acquiring T-Mobile. Apple could easily build a phone that supports all three large US networks. It just doesn't make sense to do so if T-Mobile gets swallowed by AT&T. If T-Mobile remains an independent company, I see Apple bringing the iPhone to T-Mobile. There are 33 million users on T-Mobile, many using Android phones. If Apple wants to kill Android, it needs to be on T-Mobile (if T-Mobile stays independent). Moreover, T-Mobile plans would work well with the iPhone. T-Mobile also offers unlimited broadband.

Penta-banded chips are not only more expensive, but the only reason to get them would be to support US T-Mobile. Quad-band chips will support almost all other carriers. With T-Mobile so weak, and the fact that they're in merger negotiations with ATT, it really doesn't make sense for Apple to include them. After all, they now sell every single iPhone they can possibly make. Adding T-Mobile wouldn't increase sales for Apple.

What these people are suggesting is that HTC and Samsung have the ability to offer phones on t-mobile, but its beyond Apple's ability to develop a technical or economic model that can support t-mobile.

BS. Apple may not care about t-mobile, but if they did, they'd have no problem developing a phone for t-mobile.

Unfortunately the result of Apple's attitude has but them in second place behind Android. On the other hand, the result of apple's attitude has put them in a second place behind Android. A more profitable - money minting second place. It's both bad and good.

But for pure marketshare watchers, Apple's strategy is a disappointment.

Login Here

Now AAPL Stock: 114.5 ( + 2.38 )

Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit

Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

Share

Developer162d

Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]

Share

162d

Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera

Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

Share

Industry162d

Apple employees testing wheelchair features

New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

Share

Troubleshooting163d

SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards

SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

Share

Upgrades/storage163d

Apple's third-quarter results due July 26

Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

Share

Investor164d

Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users

Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE